Alaafin ‘Handshake Snub’ Not Intentional — Olubadan

The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa 1, has dismissed insinuations making the rounds on social media that he deliberately snubbed the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, during a recent public function in Ibadan, Oyo State, insisting that the incident was neither intentional nor disrespectful.

Speaking during an interview with journalists in Ibadan, the revered monarch described the incident as a misunderstanding that had been blown out of proportion, stressing that his actions were guided by circumstance rather than any form of royal discourtesy.

“There was no intention whatsoever. What happened was not deliberate. It has been misinterpreted, especially on social media,” the Ibadan monarch said.

According to the Olubadan, his movement at the event was influenced by protocol and timing, as he arrived slightly late and attempted to take his seat quietly without disrupting proceedings.

“When I go late to a place, I try to bring good news. At the mosque, when prayers are ongoing, you wait until they form a line and then you join appropriately. I was simply trying to take my seat before anyone would say I could not move again,” he added.

The monarch explained that his seat was located between designated zones, which required him to pass through some sections of the hall. By the time he returned, he discovered that other dignitaries had already moved, prompting him to retrace his steps.

“My seat was sandwiched between Soun and Alaafin. I had to pass through some people to get there. I didn’t make any decision to avoid or ignore anyone. Why should I?” he asked.

Oba Ladoja expressed concern over what he described as deliberate mischief by some commentators, noting that selective video clips circulating online did not reflect the full sequence of events.

“If you watch the full video, you will see me greeting people, including the governor. But social media has a way of taking things out of context,” he added.

On whether he had reached out to address any perceived grievances arising from the incident, the Olubadan said communication had been made, dismissing claims of tension or offence.

“I don’t think anyone was being offensive, and I don’t see the issue as an insult to anybody,” he said.

Beyond the controversy, the Olubadan used the opportunity to restate his broader vision of unity and social development, particularly among younger generations.

“My goal is to unite the present generation and those coming after us. We must raise standards, especially in education, and focus on what truly brings progress to our society.”

The monarch’s clarification comes amid intense online debate over royal protocol and perceived rivalries among traditional rulers in Oyo State, a discourse many observers believed distracts from the stabilising role of traditional rulers in governance and social cohesion.